Dental implant, bridge or denture: how the treatments differ
Three common ways to replace missing teeth, compared side by side. This guide compares treatments, never practices, and it cannot tell you which suits you. Only an assessment can.
Why compare at all
When a tooth or several teeth are missing, a dentist may discuss more than one way to replace them. Knowing how the options differ helps you follow that conversation and ask useful questions. The right choice depends on your teeth, gums, bone, health, preferences and budget, and it is a decision you make with your dentist.
Dental implant
An implant is a post placed in the jawbone that holds a crown, bridge or denture. It does not rely on neighbouring teeth for support. Treatment involves surgery and usually a healing period of months before the final tooth is fitted, and sometimes extra steps such as bone grafting. Implants need daily cleaning and regular professional reviews.
Read more: dental implants and single tooth implants.
Conventional bridge
A bridge fills a gap with a false tooth joined to crowns on the natural teeth either side. Those supporting teeth are prepared, which means some of their surface is removed. A bridge does not involve surgery or a long healing period, so treatment is usually quicker. It is fixed in place and needs careful cleaning under the false tooth.
A bridge depends on the health of the supporting teeth. If those teeth already have large fillings or crowns, that may make a bridge more attractive; if they are untouched, some people prefer not to have them prepared. That is a discussion for you and your dentist.
Removable partial or full denture
A denture is a removable plate carrying one or more false teeth. A partial denture replaces some teeth and is held by clasps or the shape of the remaining teeth; a full denture replaces all the teeth in a jaw and rests on the gums. Dentures do not involve surgery, and they are taken out for cleaning.
Dentures can be adjusted, relined or remade as the mouth changes over time. Some people find a lower full denture harder to keep steady, which is one reason implant-supported dentures exist. See implant-supported dentures.
Side by side
In general terms, and with many exceptions:
- Surgery. Implant: yes. Bridge: no. Denture: no.
- Effect on neighbouring teeth. Implant: not used for support. Bridge: supporting teeth are prepared. Partial denture: clasps may rest on teeth.
- Typical treatment time. Implant: months, including healing. Bridge: usually a few weeks. Denture: usually a few weeks.
- Fixed or removable. Implant crown or bridge: fixed. Conventional bridge: fixed. Denture: removable. Overdenture on implants: removable.
- Upkeep. All three need daily cleaning and regular dental reviews. Dentures may need relining over time; implants and bridges need cleaning around and under them.
What moves the cost of each
For implants: the number of implants, grafting, imaging, the final crown, bridge or denture, anaesthesia and laboratory work. For bridges: the number of teeth involved, the materials and laboratory work. For dentures: the type of denture, the materials and the number of fitting visits. Medical aid schemes often fund these treatments differently. We do not publish prices for any of them; see what influences an implant quote.
What this guide cannot do
It cannot tell you which treatment is right for you, and it does not compare practitioners or practices. If a practice tells you one treatment is the only option, it is reasonable to ask why, and to ask about the alternatives. You can also ask for a second opinion.
Frequently asked questions
Is an implant better than a bridge or denture?
No treatment is better for everyone. Each has different steps, upkeep and costs. A dentist who has examined you can explain which suits your situation.
Which option is quickest?
Bridges and dentures usually take weeks; implants usually take months because of the healing period.
Can I change from a denture to implants later?
Sometimes. A dentist can assess whether implants could hold a denture or support a fixed bridge.
Does this guide compare dental practices?
No. We compare treatments only. We do not rank, rate or recommend practitioners.
Related
Sources
- Health Professions Council of South Africa, ethics guidance: https://www.hpcsa.co.za/ethics